VE Day: Council duties under the Armed Forces Covenant
As we mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day, Geoff Wild, Legal & Governance Consultant, looks at the duties of councils under the Armed Forces Covenant.
NHS and local government partner on gonorrhoea vaccine
21/05/2025 The NHS and local government have partnered on the roll-out of a world-first vaccine programme to prevent gonorrhoea. |
Rise in drug-related deaths reveals ‘stark’ inequalities
20/05/2025 A recent study by the Health Foundation reveals a drastic increase in the number of drug-related deaths in the UK and striking geographical inequalities. |
Health organisations call for smacking ban
16/05/2025 An open letter signed by 13 leading health organisations has been sent to Government demanding that the ‘reasonable’ defense of physically punishing children is abolished. |
Lung conditions disproportionately impact minority ethnic groups, asthma charity says
15/05/2025 Minority ethnic groups and those from deprived communities are significantly more likely to be hospitalised for asthma, new research reveals. |
International recruitment of care workers to end
12/05/2025 The Government is set to end the recruitment of care workers from overseas to bring down the migration figures, but critics call the move a ‘crushing blow’. |
High Court rules Lambeth LTN ‘unlawful’
12/05/2025 Lambeth Council's controversial low traffic neighbourhood (LTN) scheme has been ruled ‘unlawful’ by the High Court. |
Blueprint document sets out changes to ICB functions
08/05/2025 A blueprint document has set out changes to integrated care board (ICB) functions with a number being transferred to neighbourhood providers and NHS regions. |
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VE Day: Council duties under the Armed Forces Covenant
08/05/2025 As we mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day, Geoff Wild, Legal & Governance Consultant, looks at the duties of councils under the Armed Forces Covenant. |
Government launches support network to help local veterans
06/05/2025 Local authority leaders have welcomed a new system designed to make it easier for veterans to access care and support but cautioned against the duplication of services. |
MPs warn of the cost of inaction on social care reform
06/05/2025 MPs have urged the Government to measure the cost of inaction on social care and warned that failing to do so would mean reforms are ‘doomed to failure’. |
NHS backlog not driven by surge in benefit claims
02/05/2025 The increase in NHS waiting lists is unlikely to be connected to the recent surge in health-related benefits claims, according to the IFS. |
Casey Commission: 2036 deadline for social care reform ‘too late’
02/05/2025 The terms of reference for the Casey Commission’s review of adult social care have been published, but critics remain concerned care is 'back of the queue’. |
Hunger costs put severe strain on public services
29/04/2025 Public services are under £13.7bn worth of pressure due to the Government’s negligence in addressing hunger and hardship, according to anti-poverty charity. |
NHS contract proposals pledge 'greater control' for ICBs
15/04/2025 New proposals by NHSE pledge to give ICBs greater control over NHS contract activity. |
Matrix Workforce Management Solutions Appoints Andrew Curry as Client Engagement Director for Health and Social Care
09/04/2025 Matrix, a leader in Workforce Management Solutions, has announced the appointment of Andrew Curry as Client Engagement Director for Health and Social Care. |
Councils spend £40m fighting ‘ratflation’
09/04/2025 Local authority pest control services made nearly 300,000 visits to people’s homes to deal with pest infestations last year at a cost of £40m. |
Anti-abortion campaigner fined £20k for ‘buffer zone’ breach
07/04/2025 An anti-abortion campaigner has been given a two-year conditional discharge and ordered to pay £20,000 to BCP Council for breaching a protest ‘buffer zone’. |
Local area partnership promises urgent improvements
03/04/2025 Bracknell Forest Council and NHS Frimley ICB have promised ‘urgent and sustained improvements’ following a critical Ofsted and CQC report. |
Croydon woman breaks back after care funding cut
28/03/2025 A woman in Croydon sustained a serious back injury using an NHS bed turning aid after the local authority cut funding for her night-time care. |
A national asbestos record could prove positive for councils
26/03/2025 With momentum for a national record of asbestos in public buildings, Nicola Dawn, a Partner at Forbes Solicitors, looks at how this could benefit councils. |
Care providers launch legal action over NICs rise
25/03/2025 Care England has launched legal action over the Government’s rise in National Insurance Contributions (NICs) for care providers. |
Streeting pledges to spend more on social care through NHS
24/03/2025 Social care will receive more funding through the NHS in this spring’s 10-Year Health Plan, the health and social care secretary has revealed. |
Council inaction left disabled woman scared she would die
20/03/2025 A disabled Islington woman said she was scared she had been left ‘to die’ after the council took too long to decide what support she should receive. |
Government votes to reject health and care NICs exemption
19/03/2025 The Government has voted to reject a Liberal Democrat amendment to exempt health and care providers from a rise in NICs. |
New animation raises air quality awareness
17/03/2025 BCP Council is raising awareness of the dangers of air pollution among children across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole using the power of animation. |
Prevention services 'at risk'
12/03/2025 Prevention services are ‘at risk' because of rising social care spending, a local government leader has warned. |
London’s Ulez delivers ‘substantial’ air quality improvements
07/03/2025 London's ultra-low emission zone (Ulez) has led to ‘substantial improvements’ in air quality across the capital, new research reveals. |
Health and social care facing £457m funding gap in Scotland
06/03/2025 Health and social care finances in Scotland are facing a £457m funding gap in 2024/25, a new report has revealed. |
Vent-Axia Publishes Free eBook to Help Social Housing Landlords Navigate Awaab’s Law
05/03/2025 Leading British ventilation manufacturer Vent-Axia has published a free eBook ‘Ensuring Safe Housing Conditions: Focusing on Mould and Damp Conditions’. |
Tameside children waiting too long for care reviews
27/02/2025 Tameside Council is taking too long to review children’s education, health and care (EHC) plans, an investigation has found. |
Care at home programme to save council £10m
27/02/2025 A programme designed to support people and carers to live healthier and more independent lives is on track to save Somerset Council over £10m. |
Hospices set to benefit from £100m boost
26/02/2025 Hospices across England are set to receive £25m of funding for facility upgrades and refurbishments, the Government has confirmed. |
Unlock Awaab’s Law compliance with audits
25/02/2025 Validate cleaning performance to ensure healthier living conditions, advises MSL Solution Providers. |
Nearly 70,000 children to benefit from free breakfast clubs
24/02/2025 Around 67,000 children from some of the most deprived areas in England are set to receive free school breakfasts. |
Government announces 10-year study on youth vaping
19/02/2025 A £62m research project will provide ‘the most detailed picture yet’ of the the long-term health effects of vaping on children, ministers have announced. |
Vent-Axia Welcomes Government Setting Date for Awaab’s Law
12/02/2025 Vent-Axia has welcomed the UK Government setting a date of October 2025 for Awaab’s Law to be introduced across the social housing sector. |
Data reveals council areas with most fast food outlets
12/02/2025 The London borough of Camden has more fast food outlets per resident than any other local authority area in England, according to new analysis. |
Council chiefs warn of ‘stark inequalities’ in oral health
11/02/2025 Local authority leaders have urged the Government to take urgent action to address ‘stark inequalities in oral health’. |
McDonald's defeats council efforts to stop branches opening
06/02/2025 McDonald’s has defeated councils’ attempts to stop it opening new branches by claiming the fast-food outlets promote healthier lifestyles, an investigation has revealed. |
Councils 'deeply concerned' about trust's performance
06/02/2025 The Joint Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee (JHOSC) of Shropshire Council and Telford & Wrekin Council has written to health and social care secretary Wes Streeting about concerns over the performance of Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital Trust (SaTH). |
Alcohol-related deaths prompt health funding call
06/02/2025 The number of alcohol-related deaths hit record levels in 2023, prompting council chiefs to call for certainty over funding for public health services. |
Call for national health inequalities strategy
04/02/2025 A new Local Government Association report has called on the Government to introduce a national strategy to tackle health inequalities in England. |
Children’s Services need support to deal with increasing complexity
03/02/2025 The Government must introduce long-term funding mechanisms for Children’s Services to address increasing complexity and rising demand, a new report says. |
Committee ‘disappointed’ after DHSC snubs ICB intervention request
31/01/2025 Oxfordshire's Joint Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee has said it is ‘disappointed’ at the DHSC’s decision not to intervene in the restructuring of Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire and Berkshire West ICB. |
Rising number of child deaths linked to temporary housing
28/01/2025 An estimated 80 children died in temporary accommodation in the year up to 30 September 2024, according to new research. |
High Court blocks health benefit cuts
17/01/2025 Cuts to health benefits which were announced by the previous Government, and which are due to take effect in September, are unlawful, High Court rules. |
Social care delays leading to ‘dangerously long’ hospital stays
17/01/2025 One in seven hospital beds were occupied last week by patients who were medically fit to be released, but who were forced to wait for care packages. |
Social care cannot wait for 2028 reform, report warns
14/01/2025 Social care is on the brink of collapse and cannot wait for Government reform in 2028, a report has warned. |
Leeds proposes closing dozens of bowling greens
13/01/2025 Half of the council-run crown bowling greens in Leeds under plans to save nearly £275m over five years. |
Use technology to support, smartly
08/01/2025 The national body for home adaptations, Foundations, is urging OTs to optimise the use of technology to support efficiency. AAT is already ahead of the game. |
Tackle housing crisis to fix NHS and economy, ministers told
02/01/2025 The Government cannot hope to stabilise the NHS and grow the economy without tackling the crisis of poor-quality housing, a report has warned. |
Councils issue just four fines for illegal wood burning
20/12/2024 English councils received more than 5,600 complaints in a year about smoke in smoke control areas but issued just four fines, new data has revealed. |
Campaigners warn of ‘vapocalypse’
16/12/2024 The number of vape products being thrown out or recycled incorrectly every week has risen from five million last year to an estimated 8.2 million. |
Regulator to check councils’ asbestos control
06/12/2024 The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is set to inspect hundreds of council buildings to check the risk of asbestos is being properly managed. |
Government sets out junk food ban legislation
03/12/2024 Junk food ad ban legislation designed to curb childhood obesity has been set out by the Government. |
Government to create first ever men’s health strategy
28/11/2024 The Government has committed to creating the first strategy for men’s health – something council bosses have been calling for. |
‘Alarming’ rise in OT waiting lists
25/11/2024 Waiting lists for occupational therapy (OT) services have surged by 139% across the UK since 2019, new research has found. |
Council fined £500k after dog walker death
11/11/2024 Cheshire East Council has been fined £500,000 after admitting breaches of health and safety legislation that led to a dog walker's death. |
Council chiefs call for sugar tax on milkshakes
05/11/2024 Local authority leaders have called for the soft drinks industry levy to be devolved to councils to tackle obesity and to be expanded to milk-based drinks. |
EXCLUSIVE: Care homes will close as a result of Budget, leader warns
31/10/2024 A leader has warned that care homes will close as a result of the hike in national insurance announced by chancellor Rachel Reeves in her Autumn Budget. |
Budget: £22.6bn rise in day-to-day spending for NHS
30/10/2024 Chancellor Rachel Reeves announced a £22.6bn rise in the day-to-day health budget, representing 4% average real terms growth. |
Five star performance for Everyone Active
28/10/2024 Everyone Active celebrates five awards at ukactive Awards 2024, including top honours for National Centre and Outstanding Organisation of the Year. |
Reeves urged to promote prevention spending in Budget
21/10/2024 The chancellor has been urged to use next week’s Autumn Budget to amend fiscal rules to promote spending on prevention. |
Streeting promises 10-Year Plan for social care
21/10/2024 Health and social care secretary Wes Streeting has promised a 10-Year Plan for social care that will run alongside the 10-Year Plan for the NHS. |
Council apologises after ‘vulnerable’ man left homeless
17/10/2024 Tower Hamlets Council has apologised after it left a vulnerable man with significant care needs unsupported when he was made homeless. |
Council landlords struggle with damp and mould
17/10/2024 Seven councils have been named in a housing watchdog's report on severe maladministration in damp and mould complaints. |
Councils join project to explore preventative spending
15/10/2024 Four councils have joined a two-year project aimed at coming up with a methodology for calculating and planning for preventive spending. |
Council leaders call for Government approval of hospital plans
10/10/2024 Council leaders have called for Government approval of plans for a new hospital ahead of the Autumn Budget. |
Why social care isn’t just a discharge service
10/10/2024 Sean Harriss, Senior Advisor at PPL, talks about how viewing social care as a ‘hospital discharge service’ means the value of social care isn’t realised. |
Watchdog to investigate death of schoolgirl in mudslide
10/10/2024 The national health and safety regulator has taken over the investigation into how a 10-year-old girl was killed by a mudslide during a school trip. |
Council confiscates ‘illicit’ candy ahead of Halloween
09/10/2024 Westminster City Council has incinerated more than 600 illegal items confiscated from an Oxford Street shop in a pre-Halloween candy store raid. |
CQC announces new chief executive
07/10/2024 England’s health and social care regulator has announced that Sir Julian Hartley will be appointed as its new chief executive. |
ICB opts not to reopen Norfolk reablement centre
01/10/2024 An ICB has decided not to reopen a Norfolk reablement centre despite opposition from local campaigners. |
Awaab’s Law: the path to improving indoor air quality
26/09/2024 Alan Siggins, Airflow MD, looks at what councils need to do to improve air quality in social housing in light of Awaab’s Law. |
Just one-third of council directors able to invest in preventative services
26/09/2024 Chief executive of ADASS says the need to make over £900m in savings is ‘squeezing' investment in early support for people at home and in the community. |
Starmer defeated in winter fuel payment vote
25/09/2024 The Labour leadership has lost a union-sponsored motion at the party’s conference that called on ministers to reverse the cuts to winter fuel payments. |
Mayors back Jamie Oliver’s call to ban junk-food advertising
25/09/2024 Nine UK mayors have signed up to celebrity chef Jamie Oliver’s campaign to ban junk-food advertising. |
Care homes invited to adopt AI solutions
24/09/2024 Care homes in Dorset and Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole are being invited to take part in an initiative that uses AI to enhance resident monitoring. |
Council alters head-bumping event over safety concerns
20/09/2024 A Cornish council has agreed to make changes to a local ceremony dating back to the 16th century over health and safety concerns. |
Abortion clinic 'buffer zones' set to come into force
20/09/2024 Safe access buffer zones will be in force around abortion clinics from 31 October, the Home Office has confirmed. |
No plans for Manchester CAZ despite illegal pollution
19/09/2024 Greater Manchester has created a new clean air strategy with no plans to charge drivers of polluting vehicles, despite a legal direction to reduce air pollution as quickly as possible. |
Think tank calls for health and prosperity improvement zones
17/09/2024 Local authorities should be empowered to create health and prosperity improvement zones modelled on clean air zones, a cross-party commission says. |
Darzi review: ‘Extraordinary power in getting public health right’
12/09/2024 The Government must invest in public health to ease pressure on a health service ‘in critical condition’, according to a damning new review of the NHS. |
Stark inequalities leave women in north with ‘heavy burdens’
04/09/2024 Women in the North of England are more likely to be an unpaid carer than women in other regions of England, a new report on regional inequalities has revealed. |
Rural council areas at risk of becoming ‘pharmacy deserts’
03/09/2024 Nearly nine in 10 council areas in England have seen pharmacies close during the last two years, new research reveals. |
Care providers call for reform of hospital discharge process
28/08/2024 Care providers have called on the Government to reform the hospital discharge process. |
Council bosses call for men’s health strategy
27/08/2024 The ‘silent health crisis’ facing men in England should be a national concern, the Local Government Association (LGA) has said. |
Safety warning as 75-year-old fills potholes
23/08/2024 A Scottish council has expressed health and safety and insurance concerns after a 75-year-old resident used gardening tools to fill in potholes. |
Protecting our health
14/08/2024 Oliver Norman, Regional Vice President for UK & Ireland, Veritas Technologies, looks at why data protection should be a priority for healthcare organisations. |
Ombudsman publishes new guidance for housing officers
31/07/2024 The Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman has published a guide for officers who make decisions on people’s housing needs based on medical assessments. |
Reeves scraps care charging reforms amid spending cuts
30/07/2024 Adult social care charging reforms delayed by the Tories will be scrapped, saving over £1bn by the end of next year, chancellor Rachel Reeves has announced. |
Believ earns ISO certifications as it continues to commit to quality, safety and environmental best practice
30/07/2024 Believ accredited with ISO certifications which demonstrate the company’s commitment to quality, security, health and safety and environmental best practice. |
Social care watchdog ‘not fit for purpose’
26/07/2024 The Care Quality Commission (CQC), the body responsible for regulating adult social care services, is ‘not fit for purpose’, the health secretary says. |
Care hit by lack of collaboration
19/07/2024 A lack of collaboration between local government and health services is impacting on people's care, according to a joint report by two watchdogs. |
Analysis reveals £30bn funding hole in care reforms
19/07/2024 Council chiefs have called for a delay in the introduction of the cap on adult social care costs, describing it as ‘unfunded’. |
Care sector needs 540,000 workers by 2040
18/07/2024 The care sector will need 540,000 additional social care posts by 2040 to cope with the aging population, care workforce body Skills for Care estimates. |
King's Speech: Waiting lists, prevention and mental health top health agenda
17/07/2024 Reducing waiting times, prevention and improving mental health provision topped Labour's agenda in today's King's Speech but there were no social care reforms. |
Integrated care systems show ‘signs of progress’ but need flexibility
16/07/2024 Integrated care systems (ICSs) are showing ‘signs of progress’ but pressures on health and care services could derail positive gains, health think tank warns. |
Councils stuck in social care and hospital ‘doom loop’
16/07/2024 Over-stretched councils are struggling to meet the increasingly complex social care needs of people being discharged from hospital, a new survey has revealed. |
Council helps investigate after two children from same school die
11/07/2024 Liverpool City Council is working with the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) after two children from the same school died. |
